Definition and meaning of referendum: A referendum is a direct vote by eligible citizens in which they can express their opinion on a specific political issue or proposed law. It is a form of direct democracy, allowing citizens to have a say in the political process without relying on their representatives in the legislature. Referendums are often seen as a way to bypass the two-party system by allowing citizens to directly express their opinion on a particular issue. This can be a powerful tool to promote independence in politics, as issues can be voted on without the influence of political parties. It can also be used to hold representatives accountable to the public, as public votes can override decisions made by legislators. Examples of referendums in the United States include ballot initiatives in many states.